Everybody wants your money, or that is what it feels like these days. The world is in a pinch.

Everyone says we need to just ride it.

I know that seems easier said than done when you look at our state of our community though.

Just take this county for instance. Things have changed drastically here in the past few years.

At one time, factories consumed most of the workforce in Grayson County.

People chose to work at a factory because of the benefits. You did not have to pay that much for insurance. You received time off from work with all the time for shutdowns or holidays.

The best part, the pay, average employees could make up to $14 an hour. Not too bad for a job in Leitchfield.

Sadly that came to an end over two years ago when the factories starting cutting back on employment, and closing down. That forced people to start looking for employment out of town.

The same goes for the recent notification of ‘Trim Masters’ going to close its doors. Severance packages only last for so long. What do you do when that runs out?

It keeps getting harder and harder to survive.

As a group, we as adults need to unite and do what we can to find ways of advancement for our county.

It is not only the public officials responsibility, but ours as well. Like many have said, it is time for people to join forces for the greater good. I know it sounds easier said than done, but sometimes it only takes one person to get something accomplished.

For example, I covered an event where Daniel Mongiardo was speaking during a Democratic fundraiser on April 16 in Leitchfield. He spoke about how some of the greatest ideas that have come out of his office are from everyday people like you and me. All it took was just one person taking the initiative to make the world a better place. Mongiardo’s part was just championing the idea to help it become a reality.

E-Health, which is a new form of healthcare that is supported by electronic purposes and communications, was the brainchild of a man who did some research at the U of K Center for Rural Health in Hazard, KY. Mongiardo thought it was a good idea. He got people to look at it and build upon it.

The cradle schools idea came from Matt Benningfield, a retired teacher who now lives in Powell County. Cradle schools isa new concept that helps preschool children build the fundamentals needed for kindergarten.

These are just a couple of the many ideas the state has championed to become a reality.

So the next time you have an idea and think it is stupid, remember these people.

Their determination has helped, and will help in the future, to build a better tomorrow for our kids.

When you travel to another city or state, look at what is around you, as far as economic development. Take a step back and see what makes that area successful. There is more to economic development than just industry. Sometimes it is best to just think outside the box at times. Try to imagine what you could bring back to this community when you visit other towns.

For example, someone I talked to earlier this week recommended that we build a convention center in town. I think that would be an excellent idea. Talk about bringing in some needed revenue for this area, as well as jobs. You could host concerts there, special events, and much more. Think about the employment opportunities.

We need to take advantage of two notable lakes we have in this county. That is what people know us by. People ask me all the time where I am from. When I tell them Caneyville, they look at me and go ‘huh’. But then I mention one of the two lakes, Rough River or Nolin. They say ‘I know that place and have been there several times’.

We need to save our little Mayberry town, as I call it. It is a great place to raise kids, start a family, or just relax. We cannot let this area just go to waste.

Feel free to contact me with your ideas. With your help, we can make a difference!